MATTY Taylor was offered a contract by Vanarama National League side Eastleigh after his exit from Oxford United earlier this summer, the Oxford Mail understands.

In May, the U’s announced that the 33-year-old striker would be free to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.

This newspaper understands that Eastleigh put forward a deal this summer, however nothing more came about from the offer.

United and Eastleigh face each other tonight in a pre-season friendly.

Taylor meanwhile rejoined Sky Bet League Two side Forest Green Rovers yesterday.

Hampshire outfit Eastleigh finished ninth in the National League last season, missing out on a play-off place by four points.

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Former U’s stakeholder and Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald completed a takeover of Eastleigh in May.

The club has signed eight players so far this summer, including five from League Two sides, plus ex-Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland right back Lee Hodson.

Taylor left United after spending the second half of last season on loan at Port Vale, where he scored four times in 14 appearances.

The striker’s January deadline day switch to the Valiants came as something of a shock, with only eight players having scored more goals for the U’s in the club’s history.

In total, he netted 64 times for his hometown club but struggled during the first half of last season, scoring just six times across all competitions.

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.